Window fittings affects the final appearance of a window. In typical (standard) windows, the hinges are visible against the window frame. In a window with visible – standard hinges, special overlays (made of PVC) are used to match the colour of the hinges to the colour of the window.
Unfortunately, the colour of the overlays is quite limited and it is not always possible to match well with the colour of the window. The colour of the covers, unless you can match the colour of the joinery, is most often matched to the colour of the handle.
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The colour of the hinges is important especially for wooden windows, which are often painted in non-standard colours (RAL). In such a case, invisible (hidden) hinges can be used, which cannot be seen when the window is closed.
You can read what the hidden hinges look like here.
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Invisible hinges main features:
A window with invisible hinges just like a standard window can have the same types of fittings: RU [Tilt and Turn], R [Turn].
1. Equally good, or even greater, window tightness than with standard hinges. The hinges, which are hidden in the space between the sash and the frame, do not interfere with the perimeter seal of the sash, maintaining its continuity. This fact translates into better thermal insulation of the window (fewer thermal bridges – a more energy-efficient window) and better acoustic insulation (less noise gets into the room).
2. Bearing capacity up to 150 kg allows the use of safe (anti-burglary) of energy-saving glazing packages with a large window area (3m2).
3. It’s easier to keep the window clean – after closing the window there are no protruding elements around which dirt and dust collect.
4. Longer service life / fewer adjustments – the structural elements of hidden hinges are more stable, wear out more slowly which also has an impact on the less frequent need for adjustment or repair of the hinges.
5. Safety – the characteristics of hidden hinges mean that the sash of such a window cannot be undermined – lifted from the hinges. In addition, the locking points of the window are located close to the corners.
6. Functionality – safe range of sash movement = 950 . This feature is both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the application of the fittings. This is because the hidden hinge doesn’t require an opening stop. However, with some windows (such as high-mounted tilt windows), hidden hinges do not allow the windows to open more than 950 and for cleaning convenience an opening of 1800 is desirable.
Summary:
Hinges: (+) advantages / (-) disadvantages
| ( + ) | ( – ) | |||
| Standard hinges | possibility of using R, RU fittings possibility of using a low aluminum threshold (balcony windows) bearing capacity 130 kg functionality of sash movement to 1800 (as long as the conditions of the window allow) | limited range of colours of hinge covers frequent adjustment (natural falling of the leaf) | ||
| Invisible hinges | possibility of using R, RU fittings high acoustic and thermal tightness less frequent adjustment of hinges (easy access to adjustment) easy to keep the window clean bearing capacity 150 kg functionality of sash movement < 950 | cannot be used for balcony windows with a low aluminum threshold cannot be used for windows in different shape than rectangular cannot be used in very narrow windows cannot be open wider than 950 |
